September
2024
Chrissy Beattie
Airline: United Airlines
Crew Position: First Officer
Aircraft: B-737
Domicile: DEN
Where did you do your flight training?
Chrissy:
I did all my flight training in Australia, starting out privately at a flight school, then through a University.
What airplanes have you flown during your career?
Chrissy:
Having been a bush pilot in Australia and New Zealand, I’ve been lucky to fly a few different types!
- C150, C172, C182, 8KCAB (Aerobatics), DA40, DA42, GA8 Airvan, P28A, P32R, P68B, P68C, PA31, PA44, SR20, SR22, ERJ-170/190, B-737
How did you get interested in aviation?
Chrissy:
My dad was a test pilot for the Australian Airforce before becoming a captain on the 737 for Qantas. At the age of 19, I was at university (college) while working as an IT programmer when my dad passed away from pancreatic cancer. A few months later I was taken up in a C172 with one of my dads friends, hoping to feel closer to my father since he had passed. Once those wheels left the tarmac, I instantly knew it was what I wanted to do for a career. There was no doubt in my mind!
Have you had/have any mentors throughout the years?
Chrissy:
There have been a few over the years but three stand out – Warren, Steve and Lionel. Steve and Lionel were always there for any questions and theory help, and Warren helped me become the pilot I am today, getting me involved with our annual outback Australia trips!
Chrissy:
I am extremely lucky and proud to say my main goal was to one day fly for United Airlines and work in their training department. I have recently achieved this goal and couldn’t be happier. All the hard work has finally paid off and I love my job.
Chrissy:
Perhaps not recent.. more on my earlier stages of my career. Money was always tight. Finding the time to work all my jobs to pay for flying lessons, yet finding time to study was a serious test as to how much I really wanted to achieve my goal. One step at a time.
What has ISA+21 meant to you in your aviation journey?
Chrissy:
When I was struggling to pay for my navigation exercises prior or obtaining my PPL, often costing upwards of $3,000 a lesson, I was lucky enough to receive an $8,000 scholarship through an Australian women pilot group. It helped me get my PPL which then enabled me to share aircraft costs with friends and build hours. It helped me tremendously. ISA+21 has a huge focus on helping upcoming women pilots through mentorship & support- both mentally and financially. Having being someone who benefited from such help, I’ll be forever grateful for organizations such as ISA+21. It’s one big family.
You can absolutely do it!! Take it as one little step at a time. Sometimes it can be daunting and feel like the end goal is so far away. But its all about one step at a time, getting closer and closer to your goals. Its going to get hard at some point, but you can’t give up! Never lose sight of your goals and know you can most definitely achieve your dream!
What has been your favorite flight or aviation memory?
Chrissy:
In Australia on one of my Outback trips – I was flying around in a Piper Archer over Whitehaven beach on the East coast and it was absolutely stunning! This is why we fly
The community. There is always someone to help or ask advice or just be there to listen. Plus – it’s a super fun group of girls and you make lifelong friends
Chrissy:
Multi block charger for my work ipad, phone and watch! Also a small bottle of hot sauce… helps with that airline food.
There are so many great places!! I love anywhere new and just getting as lost as I can then getting an Uber back to the hotel.
Chrissy:
Yes! I am actually on the board for ISA+21 and also part of the mentorship program. If I can just help one person in even the smallest way, then that would mean the world to me.
